Illuminating the Canal

Artists Francis Upritchard and Judy Millar’s installation spaces at this year’s La Biennale di Venezia “reflect Birnbaum’s theme of Making Worlds with intense microcosms, one in an intimate former residence, the other in a place of worship,” describes art site e- lux. “Upritchard installs a series of tableaux in three second floor rooms that look out over the Grand Canal of an exquisite Venetian palazzo. She uses the palazzo’s ornate mirrors to backlight and reflect table-height scenes of figures, illuminated by her hand-made lamps. While Millar creates a site specific installation for Venice’s only circular church, La Maddalena that pushes viewers up close to her visceral, gestural canvases; it’s an immersive experience. The exhibitions will be launched on June 3 starting with an early morning procession through the streets of Venice to both venues led by a Maori kaumatua who will give the traditional New Zealand blessing of inauguration to the exhibitions.” The Biennale runs through November 22. (6 May 29)